While the leaked version of Windows 10 (build 9888) doesn’t show major new features, there are a few improvements here and there compared to build 9879 released a few weeks ago. In the leak version of Windows Technical Preview now we can see that Microsoft has replaced PC setting for the zPC settings app and has changed the name to simply “Settings”.
With the new Settings app, Microsoft is trying to bring all the PC settings in a single hub while moving away slowly from the old Control Panel. The first thing you’ll notice (besides the search box, which I’ll talk in a moment) is that settings are now grouped differently.
Now there is a System entry for every thing related to storage, notifications, power, apps, and new features such as Maps, which allows users to download maps locally for offline use and Optional Features, which as the name implies allows users to add more Windows components.
SEE ALSO: Windows 10 build 9888: all the new stuff from the leaked version (video)
New to Settings, we also have Devices, which is a page to get access to peripherals and devices settings such as mouse, Bluetooth, Camera roll, and a few other settings.
On build 9888, we can also see that Microsoft is grouping all the connections settings under Network & Internet to get access to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, VPN, Cellular, and other features.
Here is a screenshot of the PC settings (left) build 9879 and the new Settings app (right) build 9888:
Battery Saver is not listed, but I assume that’s because I’m running Windows on a virtual machine and the feature isn’t just available to me.
Also one big absent is OneDrive in the new Settings app, it seems Microsoft will be removing this entry and group the settings to other sections. For example, in Windows 10 build 9888, you can manage OneDrive storage from the File Storage page inside of System.
You’ll also notice that Microsoft is adding a new Search box at the top to quickly find settings without having to go inside each page. Of course, the feature still a work in progress, trying to do a search and pressing enter will open the fly-out search pane.
Although these aren’t major changes they are welcome additions to the operating system. Because Windows still under heavy development, the ordering, grouping, and features are subject to change in the final release of Windows 10. In the meanwhile, Microsoft plans to unveil Windows 10 Consumer Preview at the end of January during a press event.
I’ve been covering Windows 10 thoroughly and if you need to catch up, you can read everything here. If you come across a new feature be sure to send the tip.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].